EXECUTIVE ORDER
- - - - - - -
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WHITE HOUSE RURAL COUNCIL
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America and in order to enhance Federal engagement with rural communities, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Policy. Sixteen percent of the American population lives in rural counties. Strong, sustainable rural communities are essential to winning the future and ensuring American competitiveness in the years ahead.
These communities supply our food, fiber, and energy, safeguard our natural resources, and are essential in the development of science and innovation. Though rural communities face numerous challenges, they also present enormous economic potential. T
The Federal Government has an important role to play in order to expand access to the capital necessary for economic growth, promote innovation, improve access to health care and education, and expand outdoor recreational activities on public lands.
To enhance the Federal Government's efforts to address the needs of rural America, this order establishes a council to better coordinate Federal programs and maximize the impact of Federal investment to promote economic prosperity and quality of life in our rural communities.
Sec. 4. Mission and Function of the Council.
The Council shall work across executive departments, agencies, and offices to coordinate development of policy recommendations to promote economic prosperity and quality of life in rural America, and shall coordinate my Administration's engagement with rural communities.
The Council shall:
(a) make recommendations to the President, through the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Director of the National Economic Council, on streamlining and leveraging
Federal investments in rural areas, where appropriate, to increase the impact of Federal dollars and create economic opportunities to improve the quality of life in rural America;
(b) coordinate and increase the effectiveness of Federal engagement with rural stakeholders, including agricultural organizations, small businesses, education and training institutions, health-care providers, telecommunications services providers, research and land grant institutions, law enforcement, State, local, and tribal governments, and nongovernmental organizations regarding the needs of rural America;
(c) coordinate Federal efforts directed toward the growth and development of geographic regions that encompass both urban and rural areas; and
(d) identify and facilitate rural economic opportunities associated with energy development, outdoor recreation, and other conservation related activities.
In the coming months, the White House Rural Council will focus on job creation and economic development by:
• increasing the flow of capital to rural areas
• promoting innovation
• expanding digital and physical networks
• celebrating opportunity through America’s natural resources
The Council will begin discussing key factors for growth, including:
Jobs: Improve job training and workforce development in rural America
Agriculture: Expand markets for agriculture, including regional food systems and exports
Access to Credit: Increase opportunity by expanding access to capital in rural communities and fostering local investment
Innovation: Promote the expansion of biofuels production capacity and community based renewable energy projects
Networks: Develop high-growth regional economies by capitalizing on inherent regional strengths
Health Care: Improve access to quality health care through expansion of health technology systems
Education: Increase post-secondary enrollment rates and completion for rural students
Broadband: Support the President’s plan to increase broadband opportunities in rural America
Infrastructure: Coordinate investment in critical infrastructure
Ecosystem markets: Expanding opportunities for conservation, outdoor opportunities and economic growth on working lands and public lands
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Peak of the Week
For the Peak of the week, let’s look back and peak ahead on ways to transmit written communications:
PonyExpress.org
“The Pony Express consisted of relays of men riding horses carrying saddlebags of mail across a 2000-mile trail. The service opened officially on April 3, 1860, when riders left simultaneously from St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. The first westbound trip was made in 9 days and 23 hours and the eastbound journey in 11 days and 12 hours. The pony riders covered 250 miles in a 24-hour day.”
“Eventually, the Pony Express had more than 100 stations, 80 riders, and between 400 and 500 horses. The express route was extremely hazardous, but only one mail delivery was ever lost. The service lasted only 19 months until October 24, 1861, when the completion of the Pacific Telegraph line ended the need for its existence.”
Telegraph
“Finally at the end of its session in 1843, Congress passed a bill appropriating $30,000 to test the telegraph. A wire was strung from the Capitol Building in Washington to the City of Baltimore, Maryland. On May 24, 1844, Morse sent the now famous message:
"WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT" [.-- .... .- - .... .- - .... --. . . -.. .-- . .. . . ..- --. .... -] over that wire.
After that, Morse and his telegraph quickly became famous throughout North America and Europe.”
Post Office, faxes, and email; what is next?
Although this isn’t necessarily related, have you started to use QR codes? Think outside of the box to expand your marketing approaches!!!
Download RedLaser app and your smart phone
Go to a QR Code geneator --- I use qrcode.kaywa.com and generate your QR code.
Click on your Qr Code.
Let me know what you think!
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PonyExpress.org
“The Pony Express consisted of relays of men riding horses carrying saddlebags of mail across a 2000-mile trail. The service opened officially on April 3, 1860, when riders left simultaneously from St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. The first westbound trip was made in 9 days and 23 hours and the eastbound journey in 11 days and 12 hours. The pony riders covered 250 miles in a 24-hour day.”
“Eventually, the Pony Express had more than 100 stations, 80 riders, and between 400 and 500 horses. The express route was extremely hazardous, but only one mail delivery was ever lost. The service lasted only 19 months until October 24, 1861, when the completion of the Pacific Telegraph line ended the need for its existence.”
Telegraph
“Finally at the end of its session in 1843, Congress passed a bill appropriating $30,000 to test the telegraph. A wire was strung from the Capitol Building in Washington to the City of Baltimore, Maryland. On May 24, 1844, Morse sent the now famous message:
"WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT" [.-- .... .- - .... .- - .... --. . . -.. .-- . .. . . ..- --. .... -] over that wire.
After that, Morse and his telegraph quickly became famous throughout North America and Europe.”
Post Office, faxes, and email; what is next?
Although this isn’t necessarily related, have you started to use QR codes? Think outside of the box to expand your marketing approaches!!!
Download RedLaser app and your smart phone
Go to a QR Code geneator --- I use qrcode.kaywa.com and generate your QR code.
Click on your Qr Code.
Let me know what you think!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Citizen Influence on Real Estate Development
Last week, I talked about NIMBY and CARE citizens who are against any real estate development project because they want to maintain the status quo in their community. These citizens are typically transplants from another state and did not grow up in the town. It seems most of these people moved to a specific location for a specific reason. They will lobby against future development so that their reason for moving remains valid. Their position on real estate development is not sustainable. After all, communities must grow but they want to make it difficult for any real estate developer to succeed.
NIMBY’s and CARE’s attend planning and zoning hearings and use environmental, traffic, and existing infrastructure as reasons for local government to either stop the project or have the politicians impose conditions. By the way, they attend all of the hearings and always ask the same questions regardless of the development proposal. These objectors are easy to address since most of their objections are emotional rather than factual.
The land development process is changing again and not for the better. During this economic disaster, local governments are being influenced by another level of objectors. Instead of attacking each real estate development project, it is their intent to use local ordinances to change HOW development occurs by inserting a new definition on “sustainability” through “stakeholder collaboration”. On the surface, it sounds good but if they succeed, our use of our land will be further restricted --- if not taken off the market through over regulation.
Local Government prepares a “land use’ plan
A zoning plan is then prepared consistent with the land use plan
A developer purchases a tract of land and prepares the project design based upon the zoning
a. the developer submits the plans to government staff for review and approval
b. the developer submits the plans to the planning board for review and approval
c. Now, local planning offices are holding “design charrettes” to prepare design concepts with public input on how the property is to be developed
and it only gets worse from here…………………………..
NIMBY’s and CARE’s attend planning and zoning hearings and use environmental, traffic, and existing infrastructure as reasons for local government to either stop the project or have the politicians impose conditions. By the way, they attend all of the hearings and always ask the same questions regardless of the development proposal. These objectors are easy to address since most of their objections are emotional rather than factual.
The land development process is changing again and not for the better. During this economic disaster, local governments are being influenced by another level of objectors. Instead of attacking each real estate development project, it is their intent to use local ordinances to change HOW development occurs by inserting a new definition on “sustainability” through “stakeholder collaboration”. On the surface, it sounds good but if they succeed, our use of our land will be further restricted --- if not taken off the market through over regulation.
Local Government prepares a “land use’ plan
A zoning plan is then prepared consistent with the land use plan
A developer purchases a tract of land and prepares the project design based upon the zoning
a. the developer submits the plans to government staff for review and approval
b. the developer submits the plans to the planning board for review and approval
c. Now, local planning offices are holding “design charrettes” to prepare design concepts with public input on how the property is to be developed
and it only gets worse from here…………………………..
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sustainable Housing
“As Housing goes……………So goes the Economy”
We are now well into the third year of recovery. What signs do you see that jobs are being created, confidence restored and housing is on the mend? Let me know because I don’t see anything that is a positive and credible solution breaking the adverse housing cycle.
While we are all surviving and maintaining our will to succeed, government at all levels are swinging the regulatory pendulum 180⁰. Local governments change ordinances and further restrict housing development because they can and because there is no opposition --- we are all concentrating on keeping everything together.
Local government workers have to do something to keep their jobs so they create regulatory changes. And local politicians use the national circumstances as reasons to change zoning, development ordinances, and policies. The pendulum has swung - - - Where Were We?
There is time to protect our way of life by paying attention to local political and staff actions. Left unchecked they will change our way of life. When will we wake up!
I will present disturbing issues which are being played out NOW in cities across the nation, around the world, and on your front porch. Sustainability has changed but not for the better!
We are now well into the third year of recovery. What signs do you see that jobs are being created, confidence restored and housing is on the mend? Let me know because I don’t see anything that is a positive and credible solution breaking the adverse housing cycle.
While we are all surviving and maintaining our will to succeed, government at all levels are swinging the regulatory pendulum 180⁰. Local governments change ordinances and further restrict housing development because they can and because there is no opposition --- we are all concentrating on keeping everything together.
Local government workers have to do something to keep their jobs so they create regulatory changes. And local politicians use the national circumstances as reasons to change zoning, development ordinances, and policies. The pendulum has swung - - - Where Were We?
There is time to protect our way of life by paying attention to local political and staff actions. Left unchecked they will change our way of life. When will we wake up!
I will present disturbing issues which are being played out NOW in cities across the nation, around the world, and on your front porch. Sustainability has changed but not for the better!
Friday, June 24, 2011
GDP REPORT
2nd quarter 2009 - 0.7%
3rd quarter 2009 2.2%
4th quarter 2009 5.6%
1st quarter 2010 2.7%
2nd quarter 2010 1.7%
3rd quarter 2010 2.6%
4th quarter 2010 3.1%
1st quarter 2011 1.9%
Release dates in 2011 Gross Domestic Product
2nd QT 3rd QT
Advance Estimate July 29 Oct 27
Second Estimate Aug 26 Nov 22
Third Estimate Sept 29 Dec 22
As housing goes …. So goes the economy!
3rd quarter 2009 2.2%
4th quarter 2009 5.6%
1st quarter 2010 2.7%
2nd quarter 2010 1.7%
3rd quarter 2010 2.6%
4th quarter 2010 3.1%
1st quarter 2011 1.9%
Release dates in 2011 Gross Domestic Product
2nd QT 3rd QT
Advance Estimate July 29 Oct 27
Second Estimate Aug 26 Nov 22
Third Estimate Sept 29 Dec 22
As housing goes …. So goes the economy!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
LOCATION – LOCATION – LOCATION
“Will YOU be spending $5 in gas to buy a $5 gallon of milk?”
In real estate, every cycle is different.
Every buyer or seller market is different.
And, every local real estate market is different.
It is time to revisit the ancient truism in real estate: Location – Location – Location.
As the economy shifts and as we recover from this economic disaster, will we be searching for and buying a home differently than in the past? Yes.
How we search for a home is changing rapidly and mainly through the internet but the process to buy a home will be the same except for more regulations. The search will be easier but the process to buy or sell more complex and arduous.
However, Location – Location – Location will stay the same but expanded to include different but relevant criteria. Some of the old criteria included:
Buy the lower priced home in the best neighborhood – most buyers make concessions on the location before they compromise on the characteristics of the home.
The same home with similar characteristics will increase or decrease in value due to its location.
Most homeowners compromise on the location but certainly understand a “bad” location, i.e. land fill, crime, flight path, subpar schools, etc.
Buyers should determine if the location is sustainable for them.
Evaluate each of the following categories by considering the following factors:
• Economic – will the home appreciate faster due to its location?
• Environmental – are there any environmental issues effecting your ability to use your land or does it devalue the property i.e. a flood plain?
• Social – is the location suitable for living, playing and shopping in one location?
• Energy – Is the energy source serving your home cost effective i.e. natural gas?
• Transportation – will it cost you $5 in gas to go buy a $5 gallon of milk? Are the transportation links adequate, maintained and efficient?
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As real estate markets turn around, the location of your home will be more important than ever before.
LIVE – does the location provide a livable environment for raising a family and/or becoming active in the neighborhood or community? Is the orientation of the home or the landscaping around the home suited to conserve energy consumption in the home?
WORK – are there jobs close to where you live? Can you get to those jobs without driving long distances? Can you walk to work? Are the jobs stable and is the community thriving with sound economic policies? Is there public transportation available – rail, bus, carpool, etc. Will your home appreciate faster because of its location?
PLAY - Do you live to work or work to live? Are there recreation areas, open space, and cultural opportunities within walking distance or easy access by car?
SHOP - All types of shopping should be within easy access. The opportunities may be close but is the infrastructure adequate? Does local government maintain the roads and other infrastructure elements? Is there a mix of uses in one place so that “one stop shopping” is achieved?
When you find all or most of these characteristics in a location, BUY!
As we emerge from the “great recession”, our reaching for the American Dream should never change --- raising a family in a home of your choice in the best of locations.
In real estate, every cycle is different.
Every buyer or seller market is different.
And, every local real estate market is different.
It is time to revisit the ancient truism in real estate: Location – Location – Location.
As the economy shifts and as we recover from this economic disaster, will we be searching for and buying a home differently than in the past? Yes.
How we search for a home is changing rapidly and mainly through the internet but the process to buy a home will be the same except for more regulations. The search will be easier but the process to buy or sell more complex and arduous.
However, Location – Location – Location will stay the same but expanded to include different but relevant criteria. Some of the old criteria included:
Buy the lower priced home in the best neighborhood – most buyers make concessions on the location before they compromise on the characteristics of the home.
The same home with similar characteristics will increase or decrease in value due to its location.
Most homeowners compromise on the location but certainly understand a “bad” location, i.e. land fill, crime, flight path, subpar schools, etc.
Buyers should determine if the location is sustainable for them.
Evaluate each of the following categories by considering the following factors:
• Economic – will the home appreciate faster due to its location?
• Environmental – are there any environmental issues effecting your ability to use your land or does it devalue the property i.e. a flood plain?
• Social – is the location suitable for living, playing and shopping in one location?
• Energy – Is the energy source serving your home cost effective i.e. natural gas?
• Transportation – will it cost you $5 in gas to go buy a $5 gallon of milk? Are the transportation links adequate, maintained and efficient?
As real estate markets turn around, the location of your home will be more important than ever before.
LIVE – does the location provide a livable environment for raising a family and/or becoming active in the neighborhood or community? Is the orientation of the home or the landscaping around the home suited to conserve energy consumption in the home?
WORK – are there jobs close to where you live? Can you get to those jobs without driving long distances? Can you walk to work? Are the jobs stable and is the community thriving with sound economic policies? Is there public transportation available – rail, bus, carpool, etc. Will your home appreciate faster because of its location?
PLAY - Do you live to work or work to live? Are there recreation areas, open space, and cultural opportunities within walking distance or easy access by car?
SHOP - All types of shopping should be within easy access. The opportunities may be close but is the infrastructure adequate? Does local government maintain the roads and other infrastructure elements? Is there a mix of uses in one place so that “one stop shopping” is achieved?
When you find all or most of these characteristics in a location, BUY!
As we emerge from the “great recession”, our reaching for the American Dream should never change --- raising a family in a home of your choice in the best of locations.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Peak of the Week for a Peek Ahead
IOU’s by the Federal Government
The Federal Government has promised seniors, military, debt holders and employees but will not be able to deliver. Is this a bait and switch move, incompetence, or power clouds those with best intentions? Consider these facts now and peek into the future:
Medicare Enrollment Estimates 2010 48 million
2020 64 million
2030 81 million
Medicare SHORTFALL in 2010 $1,800,000,000,000
Social Security SHORTFALL PER YEAR $1,200,000,000,000
The Federal Government has issued IOU’s to the social security trust fund in the amount of:
$2,600,000,000,000
The top 5-Hedge fund Managers earn PER YEAR:
$184,000,000,000
The top 5-most profitable companies on the Globe earn PER YEAR:
$ 75,000,000,000
How does this even equate for us going forward?
The Federal Government has promised seniors, military, debt holders and employees but will not be able to deliver. Is this a bait and switch move, incompetence, or power clouds those with best intentions? Consider these facts now and peek into the future:
Medicare Enrollment Estimates 2010 48 million
2020 64 million
2030 81 million
Medicare SHORTFALL in 2010 $1,800,000,000,000
Social Security SHORTFALL PER YEAR $1,200,000,000,000
The Federal Government has issued IOU’s to the social security trust fund in the amount of:
$2,600,000,000,000
The top 5-Hedge fund Managers earn PER YEAR:
$184,000,000,000
The top 5-most profitable companies on the Globe earn PER YEAR:
$ 75,000,000,000
How does this even equate for us going forward?
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Our Own Housing Cycle
Apartment when first starting out
Townhouse to enter the housing market
Small single family home on a small lot
Larger home with land to raise a family
Growth Charts, Baseball & Picnics
College and empty nesters
SF home downsizing but with features and land
Small single family detached home with some yard
Apartment or 1-story townhouse
Assisted Living Facility
Long Term Care Facility
Townhouse to enter the housing market
Small single family home on a small lot
Larger home with land to raise a family
Growth Charts, Baseball & Picnics
College and empty nesters
SF home downsizing but with features and land
Small single family detached home with some yard
Apartment or 1-story townhouse
Assisted Living Facility
Long Term Care Facility
Monday, June 20, 2011
Unintentional Consequences
Local government has to issue bonds to raise funds earmarked for infrastructure improvements. Since the recession ended, local governments have not pursued bond sales since most of their budgets are upside down. Limiting bond sales constricts governments' ability to pave roads, repair bridges and build hospitals and parks. It is probably a good thing that local governments are trying to get their own house in order but……………… infrastructure and public properties will not receive required maintenance and improvements are curtailed.
"I just don't think people are in the mood to have governments issuing debt at this time, when they're making service cuts," said Howard Cure, director of municipal research at Evercore Wealth Management. "
For the first 5-months of 2010, about $170 billion was added to local government debt.
For the first 5-months of 2011, only about $85 billion was new municipal debt. According to the Bond Buyer, this volume is the lowest it's been since 2000.
Dresslar said. "Every dollar that you have to pay in debt service is a dollar that you cannot spend on schools, public safety, and health care -- the whole gamut of public services."
"Whenever you defer capital improvements you're going to have a bigger problem later on," said Cure, of Evercore. "Inevitably [bond] issuance will bounce back because infrastructure is in bad shape in this country, but right now the more immediate issue is balancing the budget."
The neglect of maintaining our infrastructure i.e. roads, water, sewer, drainage, parks, bridges, etc. will be profound and will have a lasting impact on how local municipalities grow in the future.
A greater burden will be shifted to “new” residents when they move into an area or to new housing and non-residential projects which may have adverse impacts on the existing infrastructure. Impact fees and improvement requirements will be expanded as communities recover.
"I just don't think people are in the mood to have governments issuing debt at this time, when they're making service cuts," said Howard Cure, director of municipal research at Evercore Wealth Management. "
For the first 5-months of 2010, about $170 billion was added to local government debt.
For the first 5-months of 2011, only about $85 billion was new municipal debt. According to the Bond Buyer, this volume is the lowest it's been since 2000.
Dresslar said. "Every dollar that you have to pay in debt service is a dollar that you cannot spend on schools, public safety, and health care -- the whole gamut of public services."
"Whenever you defer capital improvements you're going to have a bigger problem later on," said Cure, of Evercore. "Inevitably [bond] issuance will bounce back because infrastructure is in bad shape in this country, but right now the more immediate issue is balancing the budget."
The neglect of maintaining our infrastructure i.e. roads, water, sewer, drainage, parks, bridges, etc. will be profound and will have a lasting impact on how local municipalities grow in the future.
A greater burden will be shifted to “new” residents when they move into an area or to new housing and non-residential projects which may have adverse impacts on the existing infrastructure. Impact fees and improvement requirements will be expanded as communities recover.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
LOCATION – LOCATION – LOCATION
Typical positive and negative location criteria people look for when they are buying a home:
- Top rated schools
- Recreation facilities, parks, open space
- Views
- A variety of shopping
- Homes with consistency of architecture
- Economic stability within the community
- Public transportation availability
- Health care alternatives
- Quality jobs
- Location of the home within the neighborhood
- Environmental concerns i.e. hazards, flood plains, flight path
- Crime
- Noise
- Landscape features
- Business climate
- Cost of energy i.e. natural gas, electricity, oil
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
THE SHREDDER
Source unknown
A young engineer was leaving the office at 5:45 p.m. when he found the CEO standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand.
“Listen,” said the CEO, “this is a very sensitive and important document, and my secretary is not here.
“Can you make this thing work?”
“Certainly” said the young engineer. He turned on the machine, inserted the paper, and pressed the start button.
“Excellent, excellent” said the CEO as his paper disappeared inside the machine, “I just need one copy!”
Lesson to be learned --- never, ever assume that your boss knows what he is doing!!!!
A young engineer was leaving the office at 5:45 p.m. when he found the CEO standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand.
“Listen,” said the CEO, “this is a very sensitive and important document, and my secretary is not here.
“Can you make this thing work?”
“Certainly” said the young engineer. He turned on the machine, inserted the paper, and pressed the start button.
“Excellent, excellent” said the CEO as his paper disappeared inside the machine, “I just need one copy!”
Lesson to be learned --- never, ever assume that your boss knows what he is doing!!!!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
NIMBY and CARE
Recently Builder Magazine published an article on the impact local housing policies have on the long term viability of the community. They cited two case studies and how NIMBYism has been a detriment to the economic growth of the community.
As you know by now, I have been in the housing industry for a long time! Every time there is momentum in the housing industry, the economy resets and recessionary factors keep prices in check, until now.
The primary reason why we had a housing bubble – at least in my non-expert opinion, is that the 2001 recession was mild for housing and prices were not reset, most likely due to interest rates staying low.
In any event, local municipalities can’t focus on the future when they must channel all of their energy on keeping the government entity viable.
It is time for local governments to change their zoning ordinances and maps to increase densities, promote mixed uses, and micro-plan areas. The competition for jobs and companies will be intense. Social, environmental, energy, transportation, and economic factors guiding growth will win in the future only if government seeks input from citizens who are:
NIMBY --- Not in my Back Yard or CARE ---- Citizens Against Really Everything
Who will win the planning fight of the future, NIMBY or CARE or those seeking sustainable community developments?
I happen to believe sustainable community approaches are the key to successful real estate development projects in the future. Higher densities and mixed uses meeting the definition of a sustainable community project. The housing industry must lead and everyone will follow. Instead of NIMBY or CARE, we need HOPE ---- housing opportunities please everyone!
As you know by now, I have been in the housing industry for a long time! Every time there is momentum in the housing industry, the economy resets and recessionary factors keep prices in check, until now.
The primary reason why we had a housing bubble – at least in my non-expert opinion, is that the 2001 recession was mild for housing and prices were not reset, most likely due to interest rates staying low.
In any event, local municipalities can’t focus on the future when they must channel all of their energy on keeping the government entity viable.
It is time for local governments to change their zoning ordinances and maps to increase densities, promote mixed uses, and micro-plan areas. The competition for jobs and companies will be intense. Social, environmental, energy, transportation, and economic factors guiding growth will win in the future only if government seeks input from citizens who are:
NIMBY --- Not in my Back Yard or CARE ---- Citizens Against Really Everything
Who will win the planning fight of the future, NIMBY or CARE or those seeking sustainable community developments?
I happen to believe sustainable community approaches are the key to successful real estate development projects in the future. Higher densities and mixed uses meeting the definition of a sustainable community project. The housing industry must lead and everyone will follow. Instead of NIMBY or CARE, we need HOPE ---- housing opportunities please everyone!
Monday, June 13, 2011
In Search of a Real Estate Deal
In today’s real estate, your local market is changing almost daily. National reporting, “expert” opinions and just opinions – like mine, continue to paint an optimistic or pessimistic horizon. There is no middle ground simply because of too many issues and forces affecting our daily lives. Although my blog posts tend to paint a dire picture, I am very optimistic on housing --- especially for buyers!
Every market is different and you should understand the national overview but apply the overview locally to ascertain local validity. I strive to present the facts as researched and you should make your own conclusions.
Today, as you know, information is power.
However, it is what you do with the information that is the key to your success.
If you are considering buying a “deal”, you need to become an expert on your local market. There are four things you must do:
1. Look within a small geographic area
2. Look intensely for a short period of time
3. Look at many, many properties.
4. Call me to assist you!
After a while, you will know what the price should be and you will spot a bargain when you see it. Spreading out your search over various neighborhoods or over a period of time will not be sufficient to find the “needle in a haystack.
The market is rapidly changing and you must focus your search.
Then and only then will you be ready to act.
If you don’t act, what are you waiting for?
Every market is different and you should understand the national overview but apply the overview locally to ascertain local validity. I strive to present the facts as researched and you should make your own conclusions.
Today, as you know, information is power.
However, it is what you do with the information that is the key to your success.
If you are considering buying a “deal”, you need to become an expert on your local market. There are four things you must do:
1. Look within a small geographic area
2. Look intensely for a short period of time
3. Look at many, many properties.
4. Call me to assist you!
After a while, you will know what the price should be and you will spot a bargain when you see it. Spreading out your search over various neighborhoods or over a period of time will not be sufficient to find the “needle in a haystack.
The market is rapidly changing and you must focus your search.
Then and only then will you be ready to act.
If you don’t act, what are you waiting for?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
June 24th & the Economy
This graph clearly shows why some "experts" are talking double dip recession. The trend is unmistakable. On June 24th, the government will release the final GDP estimate for the first quarter 2011. The first two estimates have been 1.8% and we shouldn't expect much change to this disappointing benchmark. In real estate, I am not sure we improved to a level where the industry is again trending down. Ask yourself this question, was your business better off from April - June, 2011 than the first quarter of this year?
I am optimistic and positive about opportunities and time to reinvent our business. You just have to look for the opportunity --- act rather than react!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Mortgage Loans by ??????
FHA Insured Mortgage
Conventional Financing
It is no wonder the only mortgage game in town are federally insured loans. Our economic disaster was created by failed lending policies and the lack of professional integrity. Thus, the federal government swings the pendulum away from conventional loans by regulations and must meet the demand with federal guaranteed loans. The federal government is now more into the housing industry than ever before. Will the pendulum swing the other way to a point of equilibrium? Not sure that it does!!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Home Prices Again on the Decline?
The Case-Shiller Home Price Indices is the leading indicator of home price trends. In Charlotte, home prices have hit a new low and prices continue to slowly drop. Nationally, prices are back to the 2002 levels. Only Washington DC in March 2011 showed a positive trend in prices. This is representative of the artificial market created by the federal government and all of the companies that rely on the federal government for work. The supply is limited in Washington DC and the demand continues to rise!
No wonder career politicians don’t see nor feel our pain!!!
Remember, every market is different and the supply-demand curve doesn’t always follow the national trends. For example, Charlotte’s price decline has not been drastic since the height of the price bubble was not drastic. Charlotte’s housing market seems to lag the national trend.
The decline in housing prices now is a direct result of the banks pushing foreclosures from last year to this year due to the “papergate” scandal.
No wonder career politicians don’t see nor feel our pain!!!
Remember, every market is different and the supply-demand curve doesn’t always follow the national trends. For example, Charlotte’s price decline has not been drastic since the height of the price bubble was not drastic. Charlotte’s housing market seems to lag the national trend.
The decline in housing prices now is a direct result of the banks pushing foreclosures from last year to this year due to the “papergate” scandal.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Unemployment Rate Comparison
The 1981 recession was deep and long. The charts show the comparison between the 1981 recession and the current economic disaster. The recovery from the “great recession” is slow, painful and the impact will last for generations. In the past, coming into a Presidential election was always good because the career politicians had to improve the economy or they were not reelected. I am searching for solid, practical and positive housing policies to improve our economic outlook for 2012.
Until we show positive economic trends and substantial job growth, the housing industry will not recovery any time soon and the economy will not recover without housing!
So - one sale at a time; one client at a time; one step at a time. We must rely on our own resources and will to succeed ---- invest in others today!
Until we show positive economic trends and substantial job growth, the housing industry will not recovery any time soon and the economy will not recover without housing!
So - one sale at a time; one client at a time; one step at a time. We must rely on our own resources and will to succeed ---- invest in others today!
Friday, June 3, 2011
The Housing Cycle
I have posted this illustration several times and it is again appropriate. This housing cycle is unique to this recessionary period. Simply because the recovery is slow and the latest GDP estimates indicate the lack of economic growth. In past recessions, the recoveries have been faster and more definitive. Although, foreclosures and short sales existed, they were NOT headlines and the cycles were broken.
We are approaching 2-years after the “great recession” officially ended and signs of being able to break this housing cycle are not evident. Until this cycle is broken, our economic problems will persist. As we enter into the Presidential election year, remember --- “as housing goes…so goes the economy”!
We are approaching 2-years after the “great recession” officially ended and signs of being able to break this housing cycle are not evident. Until this cycle is broken, our economic problems will persist. As we enter into the Presidential election year, remember --- “as housing goes…so goes the economy”!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The M and M’s of Success: Part III
Guest Blog Post by Pat Riley, Allen Tate Company
In previous posts I introduced the first two “M”s of my 3-part equation. Mindset and Mechanics are essential parts of living a successful, fulfilled life and career. So what is the last piece to the puzzle you may be asking? Well, the bow around the package is Momentum. Anything in life that is worthwhile is often achieved when we combine passion with hard work.
As human beings success does breed success. When we see the fruit of our efforts it energizes us along the journey. Our success fuels and motivates us to keep going. It gives us the strength to push ourselves to work harder and reach for new goals. That motivation is heightened when we stop and take the time to celebrate and pat ourselves on the back for our success. We cannot forget to enjoy the journey.
In many incidences we also need to have an accountability partner, loved ones or someone who cares about cheering us on along the way.
All of these little things, passion, hard work, someone to motivate us along the way, help build Momentum. Like a ball rolling down the hill or that a heavy truck trying to stop on a dime; once in motion you and I have a much better chance of achieving the goal set after as well as pushing through it.
Momentum provides the energy we need when the going gets tough.
So now you have it. The 3 M’s that will help ensure you make goals and plans that come to fruition.
Mindset coupled with the Mechanics of doing the work passionately will bring Momentum and success to you!
In previous posts I introduced the first two “M”s of my 3-part equation. Mindset and Mechanics are essential parts of living a successful, fulfilled life and career. So what is the last piece to the puzzle you may be asking? Well, the bow around the package is Momentum. Anything in life that is worthwhile is often achieved when we combine passion with hard work.
As human beings success does breed success. When we see the fruit of our efforts it energizes us along the journey. Our success fuels and motivates us to keep going. It gives us the strength to push ourselves to work harder and reach for new goals. That motivation is heightened when we stop and take the time to celebrate and pat ourselves on the back for our success. We cannot forget to enjoy the journey.
In many incidences we also need to have an accountability partner, loved ones or someone who cares about cheering us on along the way.
All of these little things, passion, hard work, someone to motivate us along the way, help build Momentum. Like a ball rolling down the hill or that a heavy truck trying to stop on a dime; once in motion you and I have a much better chance of achieving the goal set after as well as pushing through it.
Momentum provides the energy we need when the going gets tough.
So now you have it. The 3 M’s that will help ensure you make goals and plans that come to fruition.
Mindset coupled with the Mechanics of doing the work passionately will bring Momentum and success to you!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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